Dutch retreat from Afghanistan

Monday

Mar 1, 2010 at 6:00 AM

After the collapse of its coalition cabinet, the Netherlands is set to withdraw its 2,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. That decision is an embarrassment to the Netherlands, to NATO, and to Washington at a moment when President Barack Obama’s counterinsurgency strategy faces a crucial test.

NATO members should be looking for ways to add troops and military and police trainers in Afghanistan …

We fear the Dutch decision could provide cover for wavering politicians elsewhere — Germany, for example, or Canada, which is now scheduled to pull its troops out at the end of 2011.

Europe’s leaders need to tell themselves — and their voters — the truth. The war in Afghanistan is not just about America’s security. It also is about denying sanctuaries to al-Qaida, which has also carried out deadly terrorist attacks in Europe. NATO is stronger when it stands together. The Netherlands weakens itself and all of its allies by choosing to stand alone.